Atlanta Airport Fire Chief Selected for Harvard Local Government Program

U.S. Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell has announced that Atlanta Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Joel Baker is one of four fire officials selected to attend Harvard University’s Senior Executives in State & Local Government Program this summer. The 19-day program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government focuses on exploring the interrelationships between citizens and government, analyzing policy options and examining the ethical and professional responsibilities inherent in the exercise of leadership.

Chief Baker is head of Fire Operations at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport. He will join Fire Chief Phil Eagleson of the Town of Saugeen Shores-Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada; Assistant Chief Michael Romas of the Milwaukee Fire Department; and Deputy Commissioner Derrick Sawyer of the Philadelphia Fire Department, who also were chosen to participate in the program.

The four were selected by a panel that includes representatives of fire organizations and former program participants.

“This is a very humbling honor,” Chief Baker said. “Program participants are a Who’s Who of local government officials – city councilmembers, mayors, county commissioners, industry Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers. I am thrilled to be participating.”